Etienne Breaks Silence on Decision to Quit Gators

Yeah that reads salty about being "running back #2" to me. That family keeps telling everyone who they are.

 

His comments on leaving UF start at 6:00, fwiw.

 

I didn’t see anything wrong with what he said. Decided to try to be a starter on a winning team instead of a backup on a losing team. What’s wrong with that? He’s not a traitor. He has 4 years to make the best out of his college career. Why should a guy that talented and coveted be a backup? If he was our bonafide starter and we were a winning program, I might have an issue with it, but as it stands, I believe he made a reasonable decision and I’m not mad at it.

 

There is no "right or wrong" with these things. Fans will take exception and rightfully so in a sports sense. If one has "no problem" with this then why root for any team at all? What's the point? Sure it's a business these days and individuals will do what they want as they should but that doesn't make it honorable or admirable in what use to be a team oriented sport...

Edit to add that given his brother and mother's public comments it reinforces the self centered narrative that has been mentioned. The move itself is not criticized by Gator fans in a vacuum. Context matters

 

I don't blame the kid for leaving.
Sucks he went to Georgia tho.

 

Problem is ETN had his faults that he ignores. He was RB2 for a reason. Not blocking well on pass plays and one big running out of bounds when it mattered most not to. That may have cost us a game and the possibility of making a bowl game.

Also, you don’t go to Georgia if you are a true gator, just don’t.

 

He kept his comments on his own perspective of what he wants out of football.

It would of been nicer had he wished the Gators good luck in 2024.

I am sure that the Gator D had enough incentive to stop him and the rest of the UGA team in the annual 2024 match up. His recent comments do add some more incentive, but in my opinion not all that much.

 

Bacon if it makes you feel better, but I think he is the better running back. He is a legit home run threat. Put in Montrell in obvious passing situations. Maybe ETN just didn't want to come out and say the Oline sucks the last two seasons and it may not be a lot better this season coming up.
Our running back room is fine, we don't need ETN. If every position group was as strong as the RB's we'd be a top 15 team.

 

I’m not aware of the public comments that indicate a self-centered narrative. I think I remember something about his brother tweeting a subliminal that he should transfer but what’s wrong with that? If my little brother who I think is a star is stuck behind someone else on a 4-5 win team I would be upset too. Many of us are so focused on being loyal to UF that we cannot look at things logically.

 

He is an RB1 at almost any school in the nation, but not RB1 material at our school that was terrible? Look I like Montrell and our RB room. I’m confident in them… but I am fine with ETN leaving. I don’t care if he went to UGA. If we don’t like it, then beat him.

Then again, I still hold a grudge against Shai Gilgeous Alexander in basketball for going to UK, so there’s that. Thing is, I just don’t root for him. That’s the extent of it. I wasn’t bashing the guy or questioning him and his family.

 

My Bulldog nephew made a point of saying that Trevor would not see the field until he learns how to protect the QB.

 

The issue is the QB has the option to change into a pass play if the defense shows certain looks. You can’t do that with ETN. That takes away some of your options. You are not a complete RB without the ability to pass and run block, have vision, and cut to the hole or area of least resistance. I think ETN was our best runner, but not best overall back.

 

Hope he gives up a couple of sacks in Jax. He used to be my favorite Gator, but, now he's a Bulldog, so I can't wish him any luck on the field.

 

A laughable comment. LSU would’ve mopped the floor with us without Etienne. He kept us in many games and imo had more to do with beating UT than anyone on offense. This “he can’t pass block” is a damn lie. Fred Taylor? now there’s a guy who couldn’t pass block. We lost both starting OGs to the portal as well this year btw, could they not pass block?
If Spurrier says he was the Gators best RB, and Urban Meyer agrees (which they have both said publicly) that’s all I need to know. Instead of the ad hominem attacks on Etienne etc, imo the only thing to say is what the HBC used to say “We will win with or without you.” I hope to God it’s true this year.

 

I will always hate this move and what it means about what used to be college football. Like, football is not inherently valuable. It is fan’s collective interest in football that made it valuable.

 

Hope we blitz the hell out of georgia with a big fast LB the ETN has to try and stop.

 

Man what's with the shot at the end? Logically? You have your own logic man it doesn't make it "correct." His mother has made multiple indictments that are not conducive to team chemistry regarding both of her sons. You do you though.

You're also the same poster lamenting "unnecessary remarks" in too hot over in the real estate thread. Be better.